Emily stays late at the office the deadline demands a final touch and the hours slip by unnoticed. When she finally walks home, the town is already wrapped in winter darkness and light snowflakes drift down from the sky. Exhausted from the packed day, she finishes the household chores swiftly and moves to the window on her secondfloor flat. For a few minutes she watches in silence as soft white pillows of snow gather on the low branches of the trees outside.
She has always loved winter, especially evenings when the snow falls slowly, like weightless white feathers. In those moments everything feels magical, as if stepped straight from a fairytale.
December the festive holidays we cherished as children are almost here, she muses, smiling at the thought. Her husband, Oliver, is already asleep; his job forces him to rise early. Emily switches off the lights and climbs into bed, hoping to steal a little rest before another demanding day.
Just as she is drifting off, the car alarm blares, pulling her from halfsleep. She grabs the remote, walks to the window and sees her car parked calmly in the driveway, flanked by neighbours vehicles, the street empty except for the fresh snow. She silences the alarm, pauses, then returns to the bed. A few minutes later the siren sounds again.
Startled, she grabs her phone and the remote, throws on a coat over her houserobe and heads downstairs. No one stands by the car, but in the soft, fresh snow a long shallow groove is visible, as if something has been dragged through, and nearby there are distinct paw prints.
The trail leads right under the vehicle. Emily disables the alarm once more. Neighbours begin to peer out of their windows at the noise. Her phone rings its Oliver, already awake and watching from his bedroom window. Whats happening? Hold on, Im coming down! he says, throwing on his coat.
When Oliver reaches the car, Emily points out the prints. He crouches, turns on the flashlight on his phone and looks beneath the chassis. Theres something down there, looks like an animal, eyes glittering. The engines still warm, its probably trying to warm up. I need gloves, well have to pull it out. He tells her to stay put and rushes back inside.
He returns with a pair of thick gloves and a small piece of cooked liver, trying to coax the unwelcome visitor. The creature shuffles back timidly, hesitant to emerge. Emily, now bundled warmer, decides to help. She kneels in the snow, extends a hand with the treat and calls softly, Come on, little one good boy come to me
A muffled whimper comes from under the car. It becomes clear: a dog is hiding there. It inches forward until its fully visible a small, drenched, trembling pup.
Emily, ignoring Olivers protests, scoops the creature into her arms. Its obvious the dog is stray: its fur is tangled in greasy clumps, eyes halfclosed and clouded with dirt. Seeing those pleading eyes, Emily knows what she must do and heads straight for the lift.
Oliver tries to stop her. Were out of the house most of the day, Emily! We cant look after a dog and didnt you hear? Were leaving for Christmas in Scotland. Weve already paid for the tickets and the B&B. He insists, but Emily answers firmly, Ive always wanted a dog. Im not abandoning this one, whether you like it or not!
The pup, later named Toby, is young and lively. After a bath, a trim and a proper meal, he becomes a neat, wellbehaved pet. He learns to sit, lie down, come when called, even offers both paws together and hops up on his hind legs like a rabbit.
The day of departure arrives. Theres no one to look after Toby, so Emily decides to take him along. She arranges the necessary paperwork, buys a travel crate and a few supplies the little tourist is ready for adventure.
The train to Edinburgh speeds north. In their compartment the mood is upbeat Emily and Oliver finally head off for a holiday, and Toby basks in the fact that his people are right there with him.
After a nights journey they reach Scotland, check into a cosy guesthouse and head out for dinner, feeding Toby first. He is delighted by the new sights, smells and the towering spruce trees adorned with lights. Hes a little frightened but overwhelmingly excited.
The festive days pass in a blur of long walks through the decorated town, tasty treats, sightseeing and quiet evenings in the guesthouse a reallife storybook. The next morning they pack to return home.
On an evening stroll, Toby bounds happily on his long leash. Two mounted police officers on polished horses trot past. One horse suddenly whinnies loudly, lifting its head.
Startled beyond belief, Toby bolts forward. The leash slips from Emilys hand, his collar unclaspes and he disappears into the night.
Emily and Oliver spend the rest of the night searching the parks, streets and backyards. Its my fault! I should have kept him close, put a harness on He was scared Toby Emily sobs, her voice cracking with grief.
Back at the guesthouse they sit in silence. Oliver speaks quietly, We have to leave. Theres no choice. He only lived with us a short time Ill buy you a new dog, an even better one, I promise. Emily, eyes red from crying, replies, Im not leaving him here Ill stay and find Toby. I dont need another dog! You dont understand!
Oliver pleads, Look at it realistically were broke. All our money went into the house renovation, the new car and the trip. Our train leaves early, then its back to work. Our visas expire in a couple of days. Please think, Emily! Ill call my boss, sort out a weeks leave, maybe get an advance the money will come quickly. Ill book a cheap single room here and wait. If he comes back to the hotel, Ill be there. You go alone. I wont abandon him, period. Emily pulls on her coat and says, Ill keep looking.
She walks toward the door, Oliver follows, heavybreathing, unsure how to stop her.
At the reception a young British attendant named Lucy notices Emilys tearstained face and asks gently whats happened. Oliver tries to explain, but Emily is too drained to speak. Lucy listens, asks clarifying questions, then says, We should call the local shelters and animal services. There arent stray dogs roaming here. She pulls a thick phone book from the shelf and begins dialing.
Emily stands nearby, barely breathing, listening to the unfamiliar Scottish accents on the line. Lucys hope shines in her eyes.
After a few more calls, Lucys tone changes. We have a lead a dog matching your description was taken to a shelter yesterday around eleven. Its about seventy miles away, under four hours by train. Im not sure youll make it in time, she says cautiously.
Theres no time to think. They grab a taxi and make a splitsecond decision: Emily will go to the shelter, Oliver will head to the station with their luggage and wait.
In the taxi Emily silently prays. The car speeds through the dark, empty road. Just get him any way the train can wait she repeats in her head, feeling neither cold nor fatigue, only determination.
At the shelters gate Emily pays £9 and follows the staff inside. She is led to a small room where a cage door stands ajar. Inside, curled up, is Toby. Her heart pounds as if it might burst out of her chest. Toby! she exclaims.
The dog bursts from the cage, yelping with joy, leaping into her arms and nuzzling against her, whimpering happily.
What follows feels like a dream. Emily signs the paperwork, explains the situation, shows the collar with the address tag, never letting go of the trembling pup.
A sternlooking elderly Scottish woman approaches, then smiles warmly, pointing at Toby in a rough Scottish English, Dont be daft, Toby! she says.
From the shelters doorway, into taxis, onto the train and back again, Toby never leaves Emilys side, clinging to her with his whole little body. Ill never leave you alone again never, she whispers, pressing his head against the scent of the shelters cleaning solution.
When they finally arrive home, Toby cautiously hops onto the floor and waddles to the kitchen for water, acting like a proper pet.
Time passes. They later build a spacious house in the countryside, where, to this day, Emily, Oliver and their faithful Toby live together warmly, lovingly and happily.
